- It's too early to tell if our recent ice storm followed by multiple inches of snow will hurt our courses’ conditions as we move closer to the golf season.  Ice coverage on top of any living organism, including grass, can do damage. 

Creeping Bentgrass can survive under ice for longer periods of time (up to almost 100 days) than Poa annua, our area’s all too common competing variety of grass on many of our playable surfaces. Poa annua has an approximate 30 to 45-day survivability period under ice.  

If this storm had hit us in December, chances for turf loss would be much greater from this ice coverage.  Fortunately, we're into mid-February and the golf season with it’s warmer temperatures will be here before too long. 

That's not to say winter injury cannot result from crown hydration, low-temperature injury and desiccation.  As Mother Nature will always have the last word.

For More Information 

Thanks to Randy Boudinot, Course Superintendent for sending in the Photo of Walnut Groves #18 Fairway back to the Tee on Friday, 2/4

Thanks to our USGA Agronomist for the Central Region

Zach Nicoludis for providing the Link for More Information

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